Page 14 of Her Grumpy Cowboy

“Hey, I never claimed to be a chef,” I hold up my hands. “I’m just the prep cook tonight, apparently.”

Jasmyn stirs the pot of chili bubbling on the stove, shaking her head with an amused smile. “Lucky for you, this dish is very forgiving. Your ‘hacked’ peppers will do just fine.”

As she tastes a spoonful and hums in satisfaction, I can’t help but stare at her.

The last two weeks with her have been a revelation. Ever since we made things official, everything just clicked into place. Being with Jasmyn is as easy as breathing. I’ve never felt like this about anyone before.

She catches me watching her and raises an eyebrow. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

I grin at her. “No reason Just thinking about how I’m the luckiest cowboy in the world right now. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky am I.”

Jasmyn’s expression softens. She sets down the spoon and comes over to me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I pull her close, relishing the feel of her soft curves pressed against me.

“Believe it, cowboy,” she murmurs, stretching up to kiss me lightly. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me now.”

“I’ll happily be stuck with you forever, baby.” The words slip out without thought, but I don’t regret them. It’s the truth.

This woman has turned my world upside down in the best possible way. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us. But for now, I’m content to hold her in my arms and savor this perfect moment together.

We sit down at the table, the aromas of our home-cooked meal mingling in the air. Jasmyn takes a bite and lets out an appreciative moan. “Mmm, this turned out amazing. We make a pretty good team in the kitchen.”

I grin at her. “Among other places.” She rolls her eyes but can’t quite hide her smile.

As we dig in, I notice Jasmyn’s expression gradually turn pensive. She pushes the food around her plate, lost in thought. “What’s on your mind, darlin’? You’re awfully quiet over there.”

Jasmyn sighs, setting down her fork. “It’s just...I’m worried about my job search, Luke. I’ve been sending out applications left and right, but haven’t heard back from anyone. At this rate, I might have to move back to Chicago if things don’t improve soon.”

My heart clenches at her words. The thought of losing Jasmyn, of her leaving Cooper Hills - leaving me - cuts deeperthan I expect. I school my features, trying not to let my distress show. The last thing I want is to stress her out even more.

I reach across the table to take her hand, my thumb brushing over her knuckles soothingly. “I hear you, sweetheart. It’s a tough situation. But don’t lose hope just yet, okay? You’re an incredible dancer and choreographer. The right opportunity will come along.”

She offers me a small, grateful smile, but the worry still lingers in her eyes. “I hope you’re right. Dancing is all I’ve ever wanted to do. If I can’t find a studio here...”

She trails off, leaving the unspoken possibility hanging in the air between us. I squeeze her hand, silently vowing to do whatever I can to help Jasmyn achieve her dreams. I refuse to stand by and watch her give up on her passion.

I’ll be damned if I let the best thing to happen to me in years slip away without a fight. Jasmyn has brought so much joy and light into my life, into Maisey’s life. The three of us are already starting to feel like a little family.

“Hey,” I murmur, tilting her chin up gently until she meets my gaze. “Don’t lose hope, sweetheart. You’re an amazing dancer, Jas. Any studio would be damn lucky to have you.”

Jasmyn sighs, her expression pained. “I know... I just... the dance world is so cutthroat, Luke. Especially now, with so many places shutting down. I’ve sent out dozens of applications and haven’t heard a peep back.”

It physically hurts, seeing the dejection weighing on her like this. I tighten my arm around Jasmyn protectively, wishing like hell I could just fix it for her. Take away all her worries and make everything okay again.

An idea starts to take shape as I absently rub Jasmyn’s back. “Tell you what, why

some of my contacts, see if anything shakes loose?”

Jasmyn’s eyes shine with a tentative flicker of hope. She wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes tight. “Thank you... For believing in me, for being so supportive. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you, Luke.”

“Well, that’s the beauty of it, baby - you won’t ever have to find out. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me now.”

The words come out playfully, but the sentiment behind them has never been more sincere. This is it for me. Jasmyn is my endgame, my forever girl.

And now matter what it takes, I’ll find a way to give her the life she deserves - the career, the family, the happily ever after.

Even if I have to move heaven and earth to do it.

I pull Jasmyn even closer, savoring the feel of her warm body pressed against mine. For a moment, we just stand there, content to be wrapped up in each other’s arms. But as the seconds tick by, the air between us shifts, charging with a familiar electric current.

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